Windshield is a Misleading Name – More on Mobile Windshield Replacement Done Right – Part 2

by Steve | Mar 24, 2019 | Mobile Windshield Replacement

This post is the second in a series on windshield history, technology, and mobile windshield replacement. If you haven’t read part 1 yet, I recommend you do before continuing.

The quest for a safer windshield (continued)

Later, when Benedictus got out a beaker for his next experiment, he dropped it. The beaker shattered, but all of the pieces of glass stuck together, held in place by the dried cellulose nitrate. Benedictus realized what had happened, and laminated glass was born.

In 1917, Henry Ford was in search of a better way to make windshields. There had been numerous reports of crash injuries and at least one lawsuit related to the plate glass windshields that Ford had been installing in their cars. When he heard about Benedictus’ invention, it seemed like a perfect fit. He used this laminated glass technique to build windshields composed of two panes of glass sandwiched around a core of cellulose. By 1919, all cars coming off of the Ford assembly line had laminated glass windshields.

Of course, windshield technology has come a long way since 1919. The 1930s saw the widespread inception of tempered glass, which breaks into much smaller pieces than non-tempered glass. These small pieces stay attached to the laminate much better than larger shards.

Modern windshields and windshield replacement

Modern windshields use Polyvinyl Butyral (PVB) instead of cellulose to hold the laminated sheets together. PVB is clearer and much tougher than cellulose. The biggest difference between early windshields and modern ones; however, is the number of roles they perform. While early windshields did little more than keep the bugs out of your teeth, modern ones are a critical safety system in your car.

Check back soon for Windshield is a Misleading Name – More on Mobile Windshield Replacement Done Right – Part 3. In the meantime, check out our page on mobile windshield replacement.

Welcome to the Chapman Auto Glass Blog, Part 9

by Steve | Feb 12, 2019 | Mobile Windshield Replacement

This post is the ninth in a series on the basics of auto glass, auto glass repair, and mobile windshield replacement. If you haven’t read parts 1-8 yet, I recommend you do before continuing.

What is the Safe Drive Away Time (SDAT) or Minimum Drive Away Time (MDAT)? (continued)

MDAT is a term that is gaining ground in the industry, but both MDAT and SDAT mean essentially the same thing. If the company tells you that you can drive your vehicle immediately after the technician is finished, call another company. There’s no such thing as a windshield replacement that doesn’t have a SDAT, and anyone that says there is isn’t doing it right.

Ask about materials they use

The goal in a windshield replacement is to replicate original factory conditions as closely as possible. With this goal in mind, it’s important to use the OEM (original equipment manufacturer) replacement windshields, adhesives, and primers. Aftermarket alternatives are often cheaper, but they aren’t subjected to the rigorous engineering and testing standards that OEM parts are. This is true of replacement parts everywhere in your car, but it’s particularly important for windshields since they are so critical to crash safety. Chapman Auto Glass uses Essex Betaseal Advance Cure Auto Glass Adhesive. This adhesive costs 2-3 times as much as standard urethane, but does a much better job of replicating the factory windshield attachment. Other companies may use a cheaper adhesive to cut costs and give you a lower priced quote, but it will not stand up to the same standards.

Ask about what certifications they hold and what standards they follow

There is no cohesive licensing body for auto class replacers, so it’s up to the individual business to make sure their work meets the right standards and is up to snuff.

Check back soon for Welcome to the Chapman Auto Glass Blog, Part 10! In the meantime, check out our page on mobile windshield replacement.

Welcome to the Chapman Auto Glass Blog, Part 8

by Steve | Jan 24, 2019 | Mobile Windshield Replacement

This post is the eighth in a series on the basics of auto glass, auto glass repair, and mobile windshield replacement. If you haven’t read parts 1-7 yet, I recommend you do before continuing.

Using the right techniques in mobile windshield replacement (continued)

One example of the dire consequences of a sub-par windshield replacement is the unfortunate case of one Wisconsin woman, who was killed after her improperly replaced windshield gave way and she was ejected from the vehicle. In the investigation that ensued after the accident, one industry expert, Debra Levy of the auto glass safety council, said that, “…as many as 85 percent of so-called replacement windows are installed wrong.” (1) While it’s difficult to find exact numbers on how common sloppy or improper practices are in the auto glass replacement industry, it seems safe to say that there are millions of vehicles in the US that will not perform up to factory standards in a crash due to improper windshield replacements.

Vetting an auto glass shop

So, with all the sub par mobile windshield repair companies out there, how can you be sure the company you choose is doing it right? Well, there are a few questions you can ask that will give you a good idea.

What is the Safe Drive Away Time (SDAT) or Minimum Drive Away Time (MDAT)?

Curing time is important. Under ideal conditions, like a dry, hot, New Mexico day, and given the right adhesives, SDAT can be as little as an hour. However, if it’s cold and humid out, SDAT can be significantly longer – as much as several hours in certain situations and cases.

Check back soon for Welcome to the Chapman Auto Glass Blog, Part 9! In the meantime, check out our page on mobile windshield replacement.

Source cited:

1 – https://newyork.cbslocal.com/2012/11/13/cbs-2-investigation-an-improper-windshield-installation-can-be-deadly/

Welcome to the Chapman Auto Glass Blog, Part 7

by Steve | Jan 10, 2019 | Mobile Windshield Replacement

This post is the seventh in a series on the basics of auto glass, auto glass repair, and mobile windshield replacement. If you haven’t read parts 1-6 yet, I recommend you do before continuing.

Using top quality materials in mobile windshield replacement (continued)

Another important material choice is in the adhesives used to attach the windshield to the car. At Chapman Auto Glass, we use Dow chemical adhesives – the same brand as is used by around 80% of modern vehicle manufacturers.

Using the right techniques in mobile windshield replacement

Once you’ve got the right materials lined up, the next step is to use the proper techniques in installation. Perhaps the most important caveat here is proper drying time. Each specific adhesive has a rated drying time that depends on humidity, elevation, weather, and other factors. If the installer moves the car or allows you to take the car before the adhesive has properly set, it will never set properly, the structural integrity of the windshield will be compromised, and it could pop out in a crash.

Drying time is crucial, but there are plenty of other places where a cut-rate shop can botch a windshield replacement. Barbara Walters and 20/20 did an investigation of improper windshield replacement that has been passed around on the internet quite a bit in the years since. In addition to improper drying times, they observed technicians installing windshields without gloves, which allows human skin oils to contaminate the adhesive that holds the windshield in and compromises its structural integrity. They also observed windshield being installed without primer, and windshields being installed without being cleaned. While these oversights and improper procedures are often done with the intention of saving a few minutes or a few dollars, the results can be tragic.

Check back soon for Welcome to the Chapman Auto Glass Blog, Part 8! In the meantime, check out our page on mobile windshield replacement.